More User Reviews:

Enjoyed the toddy cat poop beer version alongside the regular and barrel-aged versions of Speedway, thanks to Kevin for sharing. The Kopi version pours an extremely deep shade of brown, appearing pitch black when it finally gets to the glass. This one seems just a slight touch lighter than the regular and BA Speedways, with a light tan head that perches itself on the beer and shows the best retention of the three.

To my surprise, the aroma is actually a little more muzzled and quiet than I would like. I was expecting a huge explosion and was just a bit let down. The aromas that I am picking up, however, are full of coffee big-time. And it's an extremely different and almost strange coffee aroma. I've never smelled Kopi Luwak coffee beans for myself, but if they smell anything like this beer, then they are very unique.

There is also a borderline acidic sweetness on the nose, much akin to apple skins or grapes. Not sure if this is a characteristic of the special coffee beans or not. One thing is certain - the aroma on this beer is undeniably unlike anything else out there. I think it would benefit if it were less acrid, but the underlying malt sweetness helps keep things in check.

The taste starts off with an almost harsh, bitter roastiness. I get the feeling that I'm drinking burnt, used coffee grounds, minus the grit and smashed beans. Very roasty and ashy, coming through with that Kopi Luwak uniqueness. The sweetness comes through on the palate as well, with that light apple skin flavor that quickly transitions into a deeper, darker licorice - much more suitable for this style of beer.

There is a nice balance of sweetness to offset the initial surge of bitterness, but in the end, the heavy roast comes back for seconds. The aftertaste is full of bitter and burnt coffee beans with a light ash and charcoal that scrapes the mouth. Some cocoa notes pop out here and there, but are nothing compared to the Kopi coffee flavors. Heavy body, creamy on the palate with the highest amount of carbonation between the three Speedways.

Wow, this beer was certainly different. Definitely tasty, unique, and roasted to hell, big-time. There really is nothing quite like it. But in the end, I think I'd have to go with the regular Speedway as my favorite. The balance on this one is a bit lopsided, but it's still a very delicious beer. In my honest opinion, maybe a touch overrated.

Made time to get this one at O'Briens. Worth the wait. Poured jet black with a thin brown ring of bubbles. Lacing was hard to judge as it was in a 5 oz. glass. Mmmm, the aroma is outstanding. Deep, rich roasted kopi coffee. Bittersweet, chocolately, and earthy, all at once. Some sweeter vanilla and cocoa notes as well. It draws you in. Creamy, yet kind of thin mouthfeel. I expected more given the pedigree of the Speedway. Still, more than other Imperials. The taste is unreal. I can only compare it to a cross between the original and Mikkeler's Beer Geek Brunch, except this crushed both. The kopi pushed this over the top. The same coffee, dark chocolate, bitter earth, and cream are here as in the nose. But it is indescribably smooth. Throw in the mellow oak and vanilla from the barrel and you can't ask for anything more. Even flavors like currants, cocoa powder, and red wine tannins swirl. In comparison to the original, the coffee is there, but mellowed in bitterness and replaced with earth and vanilla. In regards to the Mikkeler, the kopi is in much larger supply and better utilized in the barrelling and base beer. Easily, EASILY one of the best beers I have and possibly will ever have.

Dark as night black with brown edges, thin head but the body of this beer is just spectacular. It's thick and oily and leaves the glass absolutely covered in sticky lace. Thick as can be and dark as night. Spectacular.

A huge, overpowering blast of roasted coffee beans and chocolate make up the aroma of this beer. While somewhat simple, it's powerful and incredible. In this case, simple, and strong, is a very good thing.

The roasted malt and freshly roasted coffee beans dominate the flavor of this beer. It's slightly more bitter than the typical Speedway Stout because of the huge roasted coffee element, but everything comes together quite nicely.

Good brown pour, looks just like the regular Speedway Stout. Firm 1/2" beige head on it, good retention.

Aroma didn't jump out at me, pretty similar to regular Speedway, which is still pretty awesome. Lots of coffee first, roasted malt second, alcohol, you'd have to look for it despite its presence.

Taste, mmmm. So good. A little bitter, but still substantially the awesome Speedway I love. Alcohol nowhere to be found as usual, very easy drinking. Creamy and bitter at the same time. Complex yet straightforward. Possibly the slightest tinge of sweeter coffee used here, maybe even a little more bitter. Do I think I could pick this out side by side with regular speedway? Probably not. A little vanilla always helps things. Chocolate is like it is in the regular. Good.

Despite the fact that many are railing against Kopi Luwak because they are causeheads (PCU reference), it isn't because of the quality of the coffee (they will argue that side by side with the ethical considerations, because they know all that matters to 90% of consumers is taste, not any save the planet garbage). The coffee is legit. Sorry, not gonna make me feel bad for enjoying this.

Opened during the Marquette v. Davidson game. Before David Hurley began spewing his disingenuous lies at the El Dorado Casino.

A: Just as beautiful as the regular speedway. Pitch black with a foamy, pillowy, creamy espresso head. Thick lacing and substantial retention throughout.

S: Very different than the regular speedway. Earth, slight acidity, properly burnt. The kopi brings out and emphasizes different aspects - more bitter dark chocolate than smooth milk chocolate, heavier roasted malts. Very rich and incising, but mellower.

T: Incredibly smooth and rich, less sweet than the regular speedway. The kopi balances very well and is less aggressive than the coffee in the regular speedway. Bitter dark chocolate, cocoa powder covered mousse, big roasted malts. Very earth and mellow. Outstanding.

P: Big, velvety smooth. Wonderful.

O: Very appreciative I was able to get a bottle. Substantially different than the regular speedway, which surprised me a bit. It's not a matter of better or worse, just different options. Would be great if this could be on the shelf next to the regular all the time to continue exploring the differences. Really outstanding beer, speedway's are the king of coffee beers.